Like farmer, like son

A conservation-minded farmer looks to permanently protect his land in the Shenandoah Valley

By Jake Solyst |
Mike wears a jean shirt, a hat, and has gray hair. He stands in front of his farm.
Mike Phillips owns and operates two Shenandoah Valley farms in Rockingham County, Virginia. He practices rotational grazing to improve soil health for his beef cattle operation, and is in the process of placing his land in conservation easements to protect them from development. (Photo by Will Parson/Chesapeake Bay Program)
Aerial view of the farm and trees lining the sides.
Phillips is nearing the end of the process of placing one of his farms in a conservation easement. Seen at right, a forested stretch of stream flows through the first farm to be placed in an easement, eventually feeding into the North Fork Shenandoah River. (Photo by Will Parson/Chesapeake Bay Program)
Around ten dark cows eat grass on a field.
Some of Mike Phillips' cattle begin grazing lush vegetation after being released from pens. (Photo by Will Parson/Chesapeake Bay Program)
Phillips' father passed on to him the importance of reducing soil erosion on their farm.
Phillips uses alfalfa as ground cover for his cattle to feed on and as a way of keeping the soil covered and healthy.
Mike reaches his arm into a brown pile of compost.
Mike Phillips reaches into a composting pile that he uses as fertilizer for the farm. (Photo by Will Parson/Chesapeake Bay Program)

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